Cpl Aaron Mankin USMC Retired Keynote Speaker Dr. Bridget C. Cantrell Author and Presenter PTSD Specialist GySgt Nick Popaditch USMC Retired Speaker and Author Sgt Eddie Wright USMC Retired Speaker and Honored Guest Russ Meade Former Marine and Founder of Operation Freedom Ballot Master of Ceremonies

Marine Corps Martial Arts Commitment of Excellence (MACE) Photo

Sergeant James “Eddie” Wright wanted to be a Marine since he heard the USMC cadence songs as a child, and nothing stood in the way of his dream.

In 2001 he graduated from Boot Camp and Camp Pendleton’s School of Infantry (SOI), only to be immediately promoted to Lance Corporal. The momentum he gained in SOI never slowed, and his career was excelling rapidly. In February of 2004, he was deployed to Iraq shortly after graduating from the Basic Reconnaissance Course in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. In April of the same year, his company fell under heaving fire, leaving Wright severely wounded.

“I opened my eyes and looked at my hands and I saw that they were both blown off,” he said. “I remember thinking, ‘damn, both of them.’

By Alan Lessig, Marine Corps Times www.marinecorpstimes.com

Wright had been hit by a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) causing the loss of both his hands and an open fracture to his left femur. In spite of his own wounds, Wright kept calm and collected, and even aided his fellow Marines as they fought the enemy. Many described him as being the “epitome of composure,” and it was his composure and bravery that later earned him the Bronze Star.

Although Wright’s injuries were life altering, he refused to give up or leave his Marines behind. Retirement was not an option for Wright, and with help from a physical therapist who assured him he would be able to do anything except pull a trigger, he continued with his Marine career. For two years after his injuries, Sergeant Wright stayed on Active Duty and became a part of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Commitment of Excellence (MACE) program as a hand-to-hand combat instructor. In May 2006, Sergeant Wright made the hardest decision of his life, and chose to pursue a career as a civilian.

AP Wire Photo www.ap.org

Upon retirement, he has continued to devote himself to Wounded Warriors serving as a spokesperson and fundraising advocate for organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project, Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, and Freedom Isn’t Free. He even co-founded Operation Grateful Nation, a nonprofit group that helps wounded Veterans start businesses, and provides mentorships to Veterans with successful business leaders.

“Once a Marine, always a Marine” is a motto that holds true with Sergeant Eddie Wright. His devotion to the Corps and to his fellow Marines is lifelong, and sure to inspire and promote pride in any one who comes in contact with this Hero.